"With these representations of the conduct of our oppressors, the brave
knight demonstrated the facility with which invaders, drunk with power,
and gorged with rapine, could be vanquished by a resolute and hardy
people. The absence of Edward, who is now abroad, increases the
probability of success. The knight's design is to infuse his own
spirit into the bosoms of the chiefs in this part of the kingdom. By
their assistance, to seize the fortresses in the Lowlands, and so form
a chain of repulsion against the admission of fresh troops from
England. Then, while other chiefs (to whom he means to apply) rise in
the Highlands, the Southron garrisons there, being unsupported by
supplies, must become an easy prey, and would yield men of consequence,
to be exchanged for our countrymen, now prisoners in England. For the
present, he wishes to be furnished with troops merely enough to take
some castle, of power sufficient to give confidence to his friends. On
his becoming master of such a place, it should be the signal for all to
declare themselves; and, rising at once, overwhelm Edward's garrisons
in every part of Scotland.
"This is the knight's plan; and for your sake, as well as for the
cause.
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